Tororo, Uganda: A 40-year-old Somali woman died in a tragic road crash after jumping off a moving motorcycle and being run over by a semi-trailer at the Sewerage roundabout along the Tororo–Mbale Road on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as Mariam Nuru, a resident of Malaba Town Council in Tororo District.
According to territorial police, the fatal incident occurred on April 6, 2026, when Nuru, who was riding as a passenger on an unidentified motorcycle, reportedly panicked after spotting an approaching white Renault semi-trailer from behind.
Fearing she would be knocked down, she jumped off the motorcycle, which did not stop. The trailer, registration number UBS 133F/UBS 615E, then ran over her, killing her instantly.
Traffic officers visited and documented the scene before conveying the body to Tororo Municipality mortuary pending postmortem examination.
“The semi-trailer was abandoned at a checkpoint ahead of the accident scene and has since been towed to Tororo yard for inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles,” confirmed Bukedi South Regional Police Spokesperson IP Mugwe J Moses.
The truck driver fled the scene and remains on the run, with police launching a manhunt to track him down.
Police have appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect.
The incident adds to Uganda’s worsening road safety crisis. According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, the country recorded over 25,000 road crashes, resulting in more than 4,800 deaths and over 18,000 injuries, with speeding, reckless riding, and poor judgment among the leading causes.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that panic reactions, such as jumping off moving motorcycles, significantly increase the risk of fatal outcomes.
Police have urged all road users to remain calm, observe traffic regulations, and avoid dangerous decisions that could lead to loss of life.
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